Aggies make an impact in all-star game, NFL playoffs

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Even when you end your season on a high note, it's hard to leave the field that last time.

Three Utah State players got that opportunity on Friday night, when they helped push the West team to a 40-7 victory in the Casino Del Sol College All-Star Game in Tuscon, Ariz.

Playing without Bojay Filimoeatu, who was ailing from a knee injury, Aggies teammates Matt Austin, Kellen Bartlett and Al Lapuaho all got a chance to contribute.

Austin got a game-high three receptions for 23 yards. Bartlett had a catch of 19 yards. Lapuaho had a tackle and a pass breakup.

All four, including Filimoeatu, are fringe candidates to be drafted or signed as free agents into the NFL. Last year, according to a Utah State release, 67 players were from the Casino Del Sol Game were signed to NFL contracts.

Exposure is always a good thing for those trying to break into the pros. Speaking of which ...

Playoff ride comes to an end for Turbin, Wagner

A lot of Aggies fans turned into de facto Seattle Seahawks fans this season as rookies Bobby Wagner and Robert Turbin occupied contributing roles for the team. At linebacker, Wagner even has a shot to be the defensive rookie of the year.

But Super Bowl dreams came to an end on Sunday, as the Seahawks couldn't find one last miracle in a 30-28 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

Wagner was arguably the difference-maker on defense for Seattle, raking up eight tackles, an interception and a pass deflection. Unfortunately, he and his teammates couldn't get their hands on a 49-yard field goal by Matt Bryant that ended up winning the game for the Falcons.

Turbin had four rushes for 18 yards in the contest.

The Seahawks will be home for the rest of the NFL playoffs, just like every other Aggie alum currently playing in the league. But there's always next year - and maybe Seattle will find some more help out of Logan in the draft.

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